Albany Avenue Elementary School has concluded another successful Extended Summer School (ESS) program. It ran for six weeks/five days a week/three hours per day, with a K-12 curriculum devoted exclusively to approximately 125 students with special needs.
When the program began many years ago it had only two teachers. Now, Principal Jean-Marie Papillo (who teaches enrichment classes at Northside Elementary School during the regular school year) oversees 17 teachers and nearly 60 aides on skill building exercises to keep students thriving over the summer. The program encourages academic, physical, and life skills training—with fun initiatives like Mindful Mondays, where yoga and meditation are adapted for students with special needs.
This year’s theme, “Teaming Up” was focused on cultivating teamwork and collaboration. The program wrapped up on Culmination Day, with fun activities, crafts, games and an awards ceremony.